Modi concludes 3-day Australia tour: 'An important visit which will boost friendship'

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (24) concluded his visit to Australia which he termed an "important" one and said it "will boost the friendship" between the two nations.

It was the 72-year-old leader's second visit to Australia after he took over as the prime minister in May 2014. His previous visit had taken place just months after taking oath.

He also thanked the people of Australia, the country's government and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese over their hospitality.

Modi was in Australia for the third and final leg of his three-nation tour that included Japan and Papua New Guinea.

The prime minister received a grand reception at a community event in Sydney on Tuesday (23) while on Wednesday (24), he held bilateral talks with Albanese that included issues such as defence and recent attacks on Hindu temples and members of Indian nationalists in Australia.

Modi later shared a video on Twitter saying, “From productive talks with PM Anthony Albanese to a historic community programme, from meeting business leaders to eminent Australians from different walks of life, it's been an important visit which will boost the friendship between India and Australia.”

Albanese also shared a picture of himself and Modi standing in front of the sails of the Sydney Opera House illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag, on Twitter. Along with the picture, the former tweeted, "Sydney turning it up for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

Albanese, who was also present at the community event hosted in the honour of Modi, called the latter "The Boss" while comparing his popularity to that of legendary Australian rock star Bruce Springsteen.

Last year, India and Australia finalised the Economic Cooperation Trade Agreement and it came into force in December last. The two sides are now working on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.